Range: Formerly limited to southeastern U.S., this species is expanding its range into New England and across the Great Plains.

Identification: (Melanerpes carolinus)

This common woodpecker of the eastern U.S. is recognized by its bold black and white barred upperparts and plain grayish underparts. Males have a red forehead, crown, and nape, while females show red only on the nape. Juveniles lack red altogether and have a lighter bill. In flight, shows a small white patch at the base of the primaries. At close range, look for the pinkish area on the lower belly, between the legs, that give this species its name.

Length: 23 (cm)
Wingspan: 38 (cm)

Voice:

An ascending, rolling CHURRRR.

Habitat:

A variety of forest and savannah habitats.

Behavior:

Like most woodpeckers, engage in a variety of threat postures when threatened.

Feeding:

Insects and other invertebrates, nuts, seeds, fruit, occasionally small reptiles and mammals.

Field Notes

I've had a male red-belly coming to suet feeders since November of 2012. He comes three or four times a day, is not shy about landing when hairy woodpeckers are there. I've noted pictures submitted to the Portland paper from Arundel and Sebago, Maine.